The 1853/4 Arrows and Rays quarter is highly elusive even in lower Uncirculated grades, and here we offer a Gem Mint State example. Both sides are exceptionally smooth with appealing satin luster throughout. The strike is razor sharp with even the most intricate design elements fully appreciable. Iridescent golden toning on the reverse provides further appeal, while the obverse remains brilliant save for the lightest suggestion of gold along the upper rim. As one of the two finest 1853/4 Arrows and Rays quarters known to the major certification services, the significance of this coin for advanced collectors of Liberty Seated coinage cannot be overstated.The quarter was one of the denominations affected by the weight reduction of U.S. silver coinage through the Act of February 21, 1853. Unlike the half dime and dime, which only had arrows added to the obverse to denote the weight change, the larger quarter and half dollar had a glory of rays added to the field on the reverse. The Arrows and Rays design was used only in 1853, however, creating a one year type that has long enjoyed strong numismatic demand. This especially rare variety would make a spectacular addition to a type collection.A tiny percentage of the extant Mint State population for this issue was struck from an obverse die that had the digit 3 punched over a 4, making this the only known quarter dollar overdate on which the underdigit concerns the following year. On sharp early die states, as here, repunching is also evident on the digits 85 in the date. More robust is repunching on the right arrow head and shaft, often the only feature present to attribute well worn and/or late die state examples. As previously stated, the 1853/4 is elusive in all Mint State grades, and this Condition Census Gem would serve as a highlight in the finest Liberty Seated quarter set or more general variety collection.,,PCGS# 5427. NGC ID: 23U4.,NGC Census: 1; 0 finer. The corresponding PCGS population is also 1/0.,
